Updated:
January 13, 2026
Updated:
Originally Published:
The electric grid is entering one of the most demanding periods in its history. Utilities are being asked to modernize infrastructure, strengthen resilience, integrate renewables, and support massive new loads from AI data centers—often all at once.
As a result, industry conferences are evolving. Alongside longstanding utility events, attending data center power conferences is now essential for utility planners, engineers, and decision makers.
Here’s a list of the conferences shaping the conversations utility leaders can’t afford to miss in 2026.
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Austin, TX | February 10–12, 2026
The ERCOT Market Summit examines market dynamics, regulatory changes, and system planning in Texas, one of the fastest-growing power regions in the U.S. With continued data center expansion in Texas and increased interest in 765kV EHV (extra high-voltage) transmission, the event provides a valuable perspective on load growth, transmission planning, and infrastructure investment.
San Diego, CA | February 18–20, 2026
A leading clean energy conference and tradeshow connecting utilities, developers, EPCs, manufacturers, and policymakers. Intersolar focuses on solar, energy storage, EV infrastructure, and grid integration, offering insight into technologies and market trends shaping renewable deployment.
Denver, CO | April 13–16, 2026
Substation Design Solution Industry Consortium is a key conference for utilities under pressure to innovate substation engineering processes so they can deliver substation projects faster and more consistently. SDSIC brings engineers, designers, EPCs, and software providers together to address design rework, inconsistent standards, and the shift from legacy 2D workflows to scalable 3D and automated design. The focus on implementation gives attendees practical takeaways they can apply immediately within their engineering teams.
See key takeaways from last year’s event.
Washington, DC | April 20–23, 2026
As large-load growth accelerates, Data Center World offers utilities insight into how data center operators plan power demand, redundancy, and siting. The conference helps utilities better understand customer expectations tied to capacity, interconnection timelines, and infrastructure coordination.
Chicago, IL | May 4–7, 2026
The premier technical conference for transmission and distribution professionals. One of the largest U.S. power grid events of the year, this biennial event features 100+ technical sessions, peer discussions, and an expansive exhibit hall of 800+ exhibitors showcasing technologies and solutions supporting modern grid operation and long-term asset planning.
Beyond the technical sessions—see how peer conversations and show floor engagement came together at Beta’s 2024 IEEE PES T&D booth:
Houston, TX | June 1–4, 2026
The American Clean Power Association’s annual conference and tradeshow brings together clean energy developers, utilities, and transmission leaders. CLEANPOWER provides perspective on how policy, market conditions, and infrastructure planning are shaping large-scale renewable integration. CLEANPOWER focuses primarily on wind projects, while RE+ has a stronger representation for solar and BESS projects and suppliers.
Grapevine, TX | June 23–26, 2026
With a strong peer-to-peer focus and a smaller, utility-driven format, S.E.E. enables deeper technical conversations and practical takeaways utilities can apply directly to improve system reliability and prepare for future demand. The conference centers on real-world challenges, such as storm response and recovery, substation resiliency, evolving standards, workforce training, and accelerating infrastructure projects through modular and factory-built solutions.
Read key takeaways from last year’s conference.
Orlando, FL | September 1–3, 2026
T&D World Live emphasizes utility-led case studies and applied learning across transmission and distribution operations. The conference is designed for professionals seeking takeaways they can apply directly to system performance and operational planning.
Look back at the utility-led discussions from last year’s event.
Arlington, TX | September 2–4, 2026
TSDOS delivers focused technical discussion on transmission and substation design, construction, and operations. The conference supports coordination across engineering, construction, and operations as project requirements and standards continue to evolve.
Washington, DC | September 30 – October 1, 2026
Data Center POWER eXchange provides utilities with a rare opportunity to engage directly with the stakeholders shaping future demand. This executive-level forum brings utilities and data center leaders together to address interconnection strategies, regulatory considerations, and infrastructure planning. The event emphasizes collaboration and early alignment—helping utilities better anticipate large-load requirements, reduce project friction, and support long-term, scalable power delivery.
Las Vegas, NV | November 16–19, 2026
RE+ is North America’s largest clean energy event, bringing together stakeholders across solar, energy storage, microgrids, EV infrastructure, hydrogen, and wind. Utilities attend to stay aligned with evolving technologies, market dynamics, and policy trends influencing clean energy integration and future grid planning. RE+’s primary focus is on solar and BESS, while CLEANPOWER focuses more on wind projects.
See how utilities and partners connected at RE+ from the show floor:
Houston, TX | November 18–19, 2026
The American Data Centers & AI Conference & Expo explores the intersection of data centers, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. For utilities, the event offers insight into how AI-driven growth is shaping future load profiles, infrastructure requirements, and long-term power delivery strategies.
Together, these conferences reflect where the utility industry is headed—toward greater collaboration, faster delivery, and closer alignment with large-load customers. Prioritizing the right events in 2026 can help utility teams stay informed, connected, and prepared for the demands ahead.
View the full list of conferences and events our team will be attending in 2026 and connect with us on site. We look forward to meeting with utility partners, sharing perspectives, and learning more about the challenges you’re navigating.
Beta Engineering is a substation EPC company headquartered in Pineville, LA., with an office in San Diego. Since 1975, we’ve helped utilities, renewable developers, and other power delivery companies across the U.S. complete high-voltage substation and transmission line projects. Contact our team to tap into 50+ years of problem-solving experience—and a proven commitment to safety.
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